The Odisha Government has been requested to open cinema halls and multiplexes on immediate basis to support livelihoods and the economy.
Cinema halls are closed since March and despite four rounds of Unlock announced, cinema halls are not allowed to reopen.
The Shopping Centers Association of India (SCAI) has requested the State Government to allow opening of multiplexes and cinema halls towards taking a positive step to support livelihoods and economy. One of the most important components of shopping centers and malls continues to be cinema halls.
The SCAI has developed protocols for the public at large while keeping social distancing and safety as top priority. While malls and shopping centers are allowed to open, nultiplexes are not allowed to open. The SCAI has requested the State Government to allow opening of multiplexes in the State, which supports livelihood of hundreds of people and employs large numbers of them directly.
Earlier, the All Odisha Cinema Hall Owners’ Association (AOCHOA) had appealed the State Government for exemption of minimum demand charges on electricity as the cinema halls are closed since March 20.
“There is zero income and the cinema hall owners are not in a position to pay minimum demand charges on electricity bills," pointed out association president BK Mohanty in an appeal to the Chief Minister.
